NEWPORT County manager Tim Harris was still singing the praises of his academy youngsters today ahead of a tough home clash against long-time Dr Martens League Premier Division leaders Crawley tomorrow.

Harris has been forced to blood a number of teenagers in recent weeks as his side have gone through an horrendous injury crisis.

He will be forced to include several in his squad again on Saturday but after County's superb recent run, particularly away from home, Harris is confident they can produce the goods again.

"There is still a lot to play for. Seventh is the highest place Newport have achieved in this league and I would still like to think this season we can finish fifth or sixth," he said.

"In recent matches we have had up to six current or former club academy players in our side and what has been achieved has been tremendous.

"Altogether we have blooded ten lads this season in a league that is one off the top in non-league football terms.

"That suggests a superb future for this club two or three years down the line."

But despite their success and an ever-growing injury-list, Harris may be reluctant to push any more into first-team squad duty.

"There is a fine line to be drawn," he said, "and one has got to be a little bit careful.

"The Dr Martens League is a strong, physical league and though the youngsters have shown a lot of ability their lack of strength and experience could tell if too many are asked to play too often at this stage of their careers."

Barry-born Michael Fowler, on Crystal Palace's books as a YTS trainee and apprentice pro for four years and who had a superb debut in the 2-1 midweek win at Moor Green, should be available tomorrow.

He damaged an ankle on Tuesday but is expected to make it though goalscorer Steve Cowe, who also suffered an ankle blow, is more doubtful.

Stuart James, who played his first game for three and a half months in Saturday's 1-0 win at Ilkeston after a cartilage and ligament problem before limping off with a pulled back muscle after 18 minutes, is again out this weekend.

Also still out injured are Gary Shepherd (broken collar-bone), Lee Phillips (hamstring), Jeff Eckhardt (suspended) and Matthew Rose (hamstring).

County are currently 11th in the table and Crawley fourth, but Harris' men won at Crawley earlier in the season and he said: "They are quite a strong side and we'll have to show exactly the same attitude as we did at their place to complete the double."

County will name their squad after a fitness check later today.

County (probable): Mountain, Thomas, Robison, Clark, Cowe, Edwards, Benton, Stevenson, Davies, Fowler, Walker, Paul, Ryan, Sommers.

*In the picture: Lee Phillips, left, out of action.